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Nicky Doll has long been a fixture in drag culture: first as a RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant, then as host of Drag Race France, and most recently as a featured performer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
This week, the French superstar adds a new title to her resume: recording artist.
APOLLO • ARTEMIS, her debut album, arrives on Friday, September 5, with ten tracks that aim to capture the complexity of her identity.
The collection begins with “How Do I Look,” a sparkling track that revitalizes The Ones’ 2007 hit “Flawless,” flipped into what she proudly describes as an unapologetically drag-infused banger.
Speaking with Out magazine, Nicky Doll revealed that the project was long overdue.
“I wanted to make sure I would be proud of what I put out. I have worked for years on this project. Every time I was decided to release it, it wasn't good enough, and I would postpone.”
She added that releasing a debut was about more than timing.
“As a queer artist, I also wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting an opportunity, because we don't always have that many. It needed to be perfect, in my eyes, and I am extremely proud of it.”
"I wanted to show all my sides": Nicky Doll explains the vision behind APOLLO • ARTEMIS
The debut record is divided into two halves — APOLLO and ARTEMIS — with its frame reflecting her duality.
“That is exactly it, but not just that. 'APOLLO • ARTEMIS' defines who I am as a whole. I not only have a duality in identity, gender expression, and emotions, but I also have a very light side and a dark side."
She went on:
"I wanted to show that we don't have to pick and choose — and that even my music project can have different sides to it.”
Referencing the divine twins of Greek mythology, she also draws a personal parallel.
“Apollo and Artemis are the divine twins, and I believe that Karl and Nicky are also both, and coexist inside of me.”
Sonically, Nicky Doll’s APOLLO • ARTEMIS ranges from disco-inspired sparkle to more brooding grooves. This extensive palette, she insists, was intended.
“Some songs definitely are spicy, but so am I! I feel like I wanted to show all my sides in this project. You can find some disco, some electro, some dance, some pure pop.”
She continued:
“The performance of them are sometimes glamorous, sometimes over-the-top and theatrical, but also dangerous and sexual. It's a journey, and I'm glad people will embark on it.
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With her first album, Nicky Doll is carving space for drag artistry to thrive on the global stage. And for music listeners, APOLLO • ARTEMIS offers a chance to experience both halves of a performer who rejects being condensed to only one.
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